chop-chop
Meaning
Hurry up; do something quickly and without delay.
Origin
From 19th-century pidgin English used in China; "chop" comes from Cantonese/Pidgin forms (related to 快/kuai, meaning "quick"), and the reduplication emphasizes speed.
Notes
A brisk “hurry up.” Slightly old-fashioned and can sound bossy/impolite, so be careful with seniors or formal contexts.
Examples
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Chop-chop, we’re going to miss the train.
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I need those reports finished chop-chop.
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The kids ate their breakfast chop-chop and ran outside.
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Chop-chop—grab your coat and let’s go.
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If we move chop-chop, we can still make the 9 o’clock meeting.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an interjection/imperative: “Chop-chop!” or “Chop-chop, everyone.” Rarely used as a verb; typically hyphenated and often followed by a comma.
Synonyms
- hurry up
- get a move on
- step on it
- make it snappy
Antonyms
- take your time
- no rush